Sandhwan flags off Punjab’s 1st shipment of 15 MT green chillies to Dubai

Ferozepur: Punjab assembly speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan on Tuesday flagged off the first consignment of 15 metric tonnes of green chillies from Hakumat Singh Wala village in Ferozepur district to Dubai.The export was facilitated by the Saragarhi Farmers Producer Company Limited. For the first time, fresh green chillies from Punjab are being shipped directly to international markets.The company has signed an MoU with K S Exports to send 15 tonnes of chillies every alternate day. Farmers are receiving a remunerative price of approximately Rs 28 per kg, which is higher than the price of Rs 23-24 per kg usually offered by local agencies or middlemen.Ferozepur leads the chilli production in Punjab. Over 2,747 hectares are under chilli cultivation in the district, supporting an annual production of roughly 2,95,000 MT across the state. The sector provides direct jobs to more than 20,000 people and supports an additional 45,000 livelihoods indirectly.The ‘Gauri' variety of chillies is the primary export focus due to its high demand in the Middle Eastern markets like the UAE and Oman. Other popular varieties include ‘Teja' and ‘Soldier'.Expressing his happiness, Sandhwan said the export of Punjab-grown chillies to overseas markets would significantly benefit chilli growers and encourage other farmers to adopt chilli cultivation.Such initiatives will boost the farmers' income and strengthen the state's agricultural economy, he added.Progressive farmers associated with the Saragarhi Farmers Producer Company were also felicitated for their contributions.Punjab Agricultural University vice-chancellor Satbir Singh Gosal, MLAs Fauja Singh Sarari and Ranbir Singh Bhullar, and CEO Sun Foundation Gurbir Singh were also present.MSID:: 130418452 413 |